Evaporative HVAC apparatus

ABSTRACT

An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of a prior filed and currentlypending application having Ser. No. 14/336,715 and filing date of Jul.21, 2014.

This application claims priority and is entitled to the effective filingdate of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/336,715, filed onJul. 21, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/789,632, filed on Mar. 7, 2013,which claims priority and is entitled to the filing date of U.S.provisional Application Ser. No. 61/607,950, filed on Mar. 7, 2012. Thecontents of the aforementioned applications are incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally to heating,ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”), and more particularly to anevaporative HVAC apparatus.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patentsand published patent applications cited or referred to in thisapplication.

By way of background, evaporative coolers operate by releasing waterinto the air in order to obtain an acceptable degree reduction in airtemperature, dependent in part on the humidity of the outside air.Relying upon the thermodynamics associated with the conversion of waterfrom a liquid to a gas, the majority of evaporative coolers employ a fanor blower that draws hot outside air through a wet, porous media. Solong as the outside ambient air remains dry—typically below thirtypercent (30%) relative humidity—such coolers can provide cooling duringeven the hottest days of the year at a fraction of the electrical powerrequirements of compressive refrigeration coolers.

Operation of an evaporative cooler has the blower drawing outside airinto the housing of the cooler, typically after the air first passesthrough a wetted media. Water in the wetted media evaporates into thedry air as it passes through, cooling and humidifying the air in theprocess. The blower then exhausts the cooled air from within the housingand into the areas to be cooled, displacing the warm ambient air withthe cooled, conditioned, and humidified air. Evaporative heaters operatein a similar fashion, only using heated water in the wetted media so asto warm the air that is exhausted.

Maintenance of a traditional evaporative coolers and heaters requiresperiodic cleansing of the water reservoir. The number of operating hoursbetween cleanings is primarily dependent upon the operationalenvironment of the device. Such cleanings are important to maintain theefficiency of the unit, as well as to prevent an accumulation ofundesirable molds, fungus, and odors. Additionally, traditionalevaporative coolers typically require large amounts of water to cool theair, which not only hinders water conservation efforts, but also addsconsiderable moisture in the building in which the cooler is installed.Traditional evaporative coolers are also typically only able to operateefficiently in areas where the humidity is below thirty percent (30%).

Therefore, a need exists for such an evaporative device—both cooling andheating devices—capable of operating efficiently regardless of thehumidity level of the outside air, and without the requirements ofhaving to frequently clean the device or move large volumes of air orwater to achieve the desired air temperature.

Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide furtherrelated advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in constructionand use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

The present invention solves the problems described above by providingan evaporative HVAC apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatusprovides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the housing.An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least aportion of the inner surface of the housing. A thermal layer is formedimmediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer, therebysandwiching the wicking layer between the thermal layer and the innersurface of the housing. The housing also provides an at least one fluidinlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into thehousing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus,a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluidline which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into theair located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermallayer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through theair passage.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention.In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary evaporative HVACapparatus integrated into an exemplary HVAC duct system, in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken of the encircled area 3of FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, with portions shown in phantom, of asubstantially rectangular-shaped evaporative HVAC apparatus, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, inaccordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of a further exemplary evaporativeHVAC apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the inventionin at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further definedin detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspectsof the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in differentfigures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements,or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a partial perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of an evaporative HVAC apparatus 20. As shown bestin FIG. 2, the apparatus 20 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, anat least one housing 22 having an inner surface 24 that defines asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage 26 extending through thehousing 22. A wicking layer 28 is formed immediately adjacent to atleast a portion of the inner surface 24 of the housing 22. Additionally,a thermal layer 30 is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface 32of the wicking layer 28, thereby sandwiching the wicking layer 28between the thermal layer 30 and the inner surface 24 of the housing 22(FIG. 3). Thus, as shown best in FIG. 4, because the air passage 26 issubstantially tubular-shaped, the thermal layer 30, in turn, is alsosubstantially tubular-shaped. The housing 22 further provides an atleast one fluid inlet aperture 34 through which a fluid line 36 extendsa distance into the housing 22 so as to be in fluid communication withthe wicking layer 28. In short, and as discussed further below, in atleast one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is configured for producingrelatively cold or hot air by selectively delivering fluid (such aswater for example) to the wicking layer 28 via the fluid line 36 whichsaturates the wicking layer 28 and, in turn, permeates the thermal layer30 such that a chilling or heating of the entire thermal layer 30(depending, in part, on the temperature of the fluid and/or thetemperature of the air moving through the air passage 26) occurs as aresult of the fluid within the thermal layer 30 evaporating into the airlocated immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface 38 of the thermallayer 30 (referred to herein as “nano-evaporation”), thereby changingthe temperature of the air passing through the air passage 26. In otherwords, providing relatively cold fluid to the wicking layer 28 willoperate to cool the thermal layer 30, such that air passing over thethermal layer 30 will also be cooled. Similarly, providing relativelyhot fluid to the wicking layer 28 will operate to heat the thermal layer30, such that air passing over the thermal layer 30 will also be heated.It should be noted that while water is the exemplary fluid utilized bythe apparatus 20 in at least one embodiment, in further embodiments, anyother fluid or combination of fluids, now known or later developed, maybe substituted so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantiallycarrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the housing 22 is constructed out of metal.However, in further embodiments, the housing 22 may be constructed outof any other material, or combination of materials, now known or laterdeveloped—such as plastic for example—so long as said materials arecapable of allowing the housing 22 to substantially carry out thefunctionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the housing22 provides a substantially uniform outer surface 40, except fordiameter step-downs 42 at each of a first end 44 and second end 46 ofthe air passage 26 where the housing 22 is to be positioned in-line withadditional air ducts 48 (FIG. 1)—the step-downs 42 forming ductconnector segments 50. However, in further embodiments, the housing 22may take on any other size, shape or dimensions, now known or laterconceived, dependent at least in part on the context in which theapparatus 20 is to be used. For example, in at least one such furtherembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 22 may besubstantially rectangular-shaped. Additionally, in further embodiments,as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first and second ends 44 and 46 of the airpassage 26 may be linearly offset from one another—i.e., the first andsecond ends 44 and 46 of the air passage 26 may not be in linearalignment in further embodiments. Thus, the particular sizes, shapes anddimensions shown in the accompanying drawing figures are merelyexemplary and should not be read as limiting in any way.

In at least one embodiment, the wicking layer 28 is constructed out ofan absorbent microfiber material capable of being saturated with fluid.However, in further embodiments, the wicking layer 28 may be constructedout of any other material, or combination of materials, now known orlater developed—such as cloth, cotton, paper wadding, cellulose fiber,or superabsorbent polymers for example—so long as said materials arecapable of allowing the wicking layer 28 to substantially carry out thefunctionality described herein. Additionally, in at least oneembodiment, the wicking layer 28 is permanently affixed to the innersurface 24 of the housing 22 using an appropriate adhesive or bondingagent—dependent, in part, on the materials of which the wicking layer 28and housing 22 are each constructed. However, in further embodiments,any other method, material, or combination of materials—now known orlater developed—capable of permanently affixing the wicking layer 28 tothe inner surface 24 of the housing 22 may be substituted. In stillfurther embodiments, the wicking layer 28 is removably engaged with theinner surface 24 of the housing 22, thereby allowing the wicking layer28 to be selectively replaced as needed. As mentioned above, the wickinglayer 28 is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of theinner surface 24 of the housing 22. In at least one embodiment, theentire inner surface 24 of the housing 22 is covered by the wickinglayer 28, which provides a wicking surface for the thermal layer 30, asdiscussed further below. In at least one such embodiment, shown best inFIG. 2, the wicking layer 28 is recessed proximal the first and secondends 44 and 46 of the air passage 26, immediately adjacent the ductconnector segments 50, so as to minimize fluid leakage into theconnecting air ducts 48.

In at least one embodiment, the thermal layer 30 is constructed of agypsum-ceramic casting. In a bit more detail, in one such embodiment,the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one partceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand, providing amaterial of optimal weight and efficiency for casting. The resultingceramic matrix is a lightweight castable material, providing strength aswell as weight savings. This same optimal mixture ratio also provides acasting material that can sufficiently bond to the wicking layer 28.Thus, with the wicking layer 28 positioned against the inner surface 24of the housing 22, the gypsum-ceramic casting may be formed in situ toclosely conform to the inner surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 and, inturn, the inner surface 24 of the housing 22, thereby overlying thewicking layer 28. Additionally, this gypsum-ceramic casting provides aninternal structure that permits a faster migration of fluid through thethermal layer 30, as well as the capability to retain more fluid whenfully saturated, the importance of which is discussed further below. Infurther embodiments, the thermal layer 30 may be constructed out of anyother material, or combination of materials, now known or laterdeveloped—such as other types of hydrophilic gypsum-based materials,terracotta, or ceramic for example—so long as said materials are capableof allowing the thermal layer 30 to substantially carry out thefunctionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the thermallayer 30 includes anti-microbial material for better preventing mold,bacteria or viruses from developing. In one such embodiment, theanti-microbial material comprises zinc powder. In another suchembodiment, the anti-microbial material comprises silver. In stillfurther embodiments, the anti-microbial material may comprise any othermaterial or combination of materials, now known or later developed,having such anti-microbial properties. In an at least one furtherembodiment, as shown best in FIG. 2, the thermal layer 30 provides an atleast one anti-microbial plate 52—constructed of zinc metal or thelike—positioned within the thermal layer 30 proximal a terminal end 54of the at least one fluid line 36 such that the fluid passes over theanti-microbial plate 52 as it exits the fluid line 36. In at least onesuch embodiment, the anti-microbial plate 52 is configured for beingselectively removable so as to be replaced as it erodes over time. In astill further such embodiment, where the thermal layer 30 is constructedof a gypsum-ceramic casting, the anti-microbial material is mixed intothe gypsum-ceramic casting.

In at least one alternate embodiment, the thermal layer 30 isconstructed of a non-permeable material having sufficient thermalconductivity. In such alternate embodiments, fluid collected by thewicking layer 28 simply contacts the thermal layer 30 and, in turn,affects the temperature of the thermal layer 30. Accordingly, thetemperature of air passing through the air passage 26 and over the innersurface 38 of the thermal layer 30 is also affected—thereby providing aradiant heating or cooling rather than an evaporative heating orcooling. In other words, providing relatively cold fluid to the wickinglayer 28 will operate to cool the thermal layer 30, such that airpassing over the thermal layer 30 will also be cooled. Similarly,providing relatively hot fluid to the wicking layer 28 will operate toheat the thermal layer 30, such that air passing over the thermal layer30 will also be heated. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, thethermal layer 30 is permanently affixed to the inner surface 32 of thewicking layer 28 using an appropriate adhesive or bondingagent—dependent, in part, on the materials of which the thermal layer 30and wicking layer 28 are each constructed. However, in furtherembodiments, any other method, material, or combination of materials—nowknown or later developed—capable of permanently affixing the thermallayer 30 to the inner surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 may besubstituted. In still further embodiments, the thermal layer 30 isremovably engaged with the inner surface 32 of the wicking layer 28,thereby allowing the thermal layer 30 to be selectively replaced asneeded.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 4, theinner surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 is completely covered by thethermal layer 30 to ensure the formation of a dependable liquid pathwayinto the thermal layer 30 which forms the means for introducingsufficient liquid into the housing 22 in an appropriate manner toeffectuate the efficient nano-evaporative heating or cooling of thethermal layer 30 and, in turn, the air flowing through the air passage26. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the wicking layer 28 assists inthe even application of fluid to the thermal layer 30.

It should be noted that, in at least one alternate embodiment, thethermal layer 30 may be omitted altogether such that nano-evaporation ofthe fluid occurs across the exposed inner surface 32 of the wickinglayer 28 and affects the temperature of the air passing through the airpassage 26. Furthermore, in at least one other alternate embodiment, thewicking layer 28 may be omitted altogether such that the fluid line 36is in fluid communication with the thermal layer 30.

In at least one embodiment, the inner surface 38 of the thermal layer 30is convoluted so as to maximize the surface area of the thermal layer30. The greater the surface area of the thermal layer 30, over which airis able to pass, the greater effect the thermal layer 30 has on thetemperature of the air passing through the air passage 26. Theconvoluted inner surface 38 also facilitates in the rapid tumbling ofthe air that passes through the air passage 26, thereby assisting toprovide an even distribution of air temperature by the thermal layer 30.In one such embodiment, as illustrated best in FIG. 2, the inner surface38 of the thermal layer 30 provides a plurality of finger-likeprotrusions 56 extending inwardly within the air passage 26. However, itshould be noted that the particular configuration of the inner surface38 shown in the accompanying drawing figures is merely exemplary andshould not be read as limiting in any way. Accordingly, in furtherembodiments, the inner surface 38 may take on any other size, shape,dimensions, or configurations now known or later conceived, so long asthe thermal layer 30 is capable of substantially carrying out thefunctionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, it is desirable that the fluid not “flood”or over-saturate the wicking layer 28. Accordingly, in at least one suchembodiment as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 20 provides afluid injector 58 interconnected with the fluid line 36 for regulatingthe amount of fluid travelling to the wicking layer 28. Additionally, inat least one embodiment, a fluid reservoir (not shown) is provided aspart of the fluid injector 58, with a float regulator (also not shown)utilized to obtain additional fluid from the fluid line 36 as needed tomaintain a desired fluid level in the fluid reservoir and fluid injector58. It should be noted that while the fluid injector 58 is shown in thedrawings as being positioned at the terminal end 54 of the fluid line36, proximal the housing 22, in further embodiments, the fluid injector58 may be interconnected with the fluid line 36 at any point along thefluid line 36, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantiallycarrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides a timer(not shown) and a variable control valve (also not shown) interconnectedwith the fluid line 36. As such, in much the same manner as dripirrigation provides controlled amounts of water to plants, so too, thetimer and variable control valve supply fluid to the wicking layer 28 ona measured basis over time, eliminating the requirement to maintain astanding fluid reservoir.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 5 and 6, thehousing 22 further provides more than one fluid inlet aperture 34 suchthat a separate fluid line 36 extends through each fluid inlet aperture34 so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer 28.Accordingly, depending on the size of the housing 22 and the context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized, the number of fluid inletapertures 34 and corresponding fluid lines 36 may vary in order toprovide an appropriate amount of fluid to the wicking layer 28 and, inturn, the thermal layer 30. In other words, the larger the housing 22,the more fluid inlet apertures 34 and corresponding fluid lines 36 thatwill likely be required.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides an atleast one blower 60 in fluid communication with the air passage 26 andconfigured for moving air through the air passage 26. As such, dependingat least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to beutilized, the blower 60 may be positioned upstream from the air passage26 (for pushing air through the air passage 26) or downstream from theair passage 26 (for pulling air through the air passage 26). The blower60 may comprise any type of fan or other blowing device, now known orlater developed, capable of moving a sufficient amount of air throughthe air passage 26. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, theapparatus 20 provides a power supply 62 and a length of electricalwiring 64 interconnecting the power supply 62 and the blower 60 forselective powering the blower 60.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one blower 60 is configured formoving a supply of ambient, unconditioned air through the air passage26. However, in at least one further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, theapparatus 20 provides an at least one booster unit 66 in fluidcommunication with the air passage 26 of the housing 22 and configuredfor appropriately modifying the temperature of the air before it entersthe air passage 26. Where the apparatus 20 is intended to producerelatively cold air, the at least one booster unit 66 is configured forgenerating relatively cold air, thereby effectively pre-cooling the airbefore it is moved through the air passage 26 so that the apparatus 20may produce even colder air. In one such embodiment, the booster unit 66is an air-conditioner. However, in further such embodiments, the boosterunit 66 may comprise any other device or combination of devices, nowknown or later developed, capable of generating an appropriate amount ofrelatively cold air. Similarly, where the apparatus 20 is intended toproduce relatively hot air, the at least one booster unit 66 isconfigured for generating relatively hot air, thereby effectivelypre-heating the air before it is moved through the air passage 26 sothat the apparatus 20 may produce even hotter air. In one suchembodiment, the booster unit 66 is a heater. However, in further suchembodiments, the booster unit 66 may comprise any other device orcombination of devices, now known or later developed, capable ofgenerating an appropriate amount of relatively hot air. Thus, in atleast one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is capable of functioning as ahybrid heating or cooling system, utilizing both nano-evaporation aswell as traditional air-conditioning or heating.

Thus, again, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is designed toallow an efficient amount of air into the air passage 26 where it passesover the convoluted thermal layer 30 to achieve a desired degree of airheating or cooling (depending on the context in which the apparatus 20is utilized) in the shortest air passage 26 possible. Decreasing thesize of the housing 22 (and, thus, the air passage 26) as well asminimizing the overall weight of the apparatus 20 promotes ease ofinstallation while still achieving a desired degree of heating orcooling.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment where the apparatus 20 providesat least one booster unit 66, since the apparatus 20 in such anembodiment effectively leverages the air source of the booster unit 66,the apparatus 20 is capable of dramatically reducing the overall cost ofcooling or heating in at least two ways. First, each cooling or heatingcycle performed by the booster unit 66 results in a portion of theemitted cold or hot air being absorbed by the thermal layer 30 as theair moves through the air passage 26. As such, once the booster unit 66shuts off, the apparatus 20 is able to continue producing cold or hotair for a period of time by virtue of the thermal layer 30 retaining thecold or heat so as to continue affecting the temperature of air thatmoves through the air passage 26. Thus, the necessary run-time of thebooster unit 66 is reduced, which reduces the overall energy consumptionand extends the life of the booster unit 66. Second, in at least oneembodiment where the booster unit 66 provides relatively cold air, theheat sink-like thermodynamics employed by the thermal layer 30 functionin such a way as to result in more cold air being emitted by theapparatus 20 than what is actually being generated by the booster unit66. As such, in at least one embodiment, the output of the apparatus 20can be three to four times greater than the input, for example. Thus,where the booster unit 66 is a six-amp, 110-volt air-conditioner, forexample, the booster unit 66 is able to produce three to four times morechilling effect—with the assistance of the at least one housing 22—thanits nominal rating would indicate. With the addition of low amperagefans, the apparatus 20 can result in energy savings as high asseventy-five percent (75%). Furthermore, unlike traditional refrigeratedair-conditioning systems, the apparatus 20—in at least one embodimentthat incorporates at least one booster unit 66 providing relatively coldair—is capable of using less than twenty-five percent (25%) of theenergy required by traditional air-conditioning systems to produce anequivalent amount of cooling due to its “hybrid” construction.Additionally, while traditional evaporative coolers typically raise thesurrounding humidity level by sixty percent (60%), the apparatus 20—inat least one embodiment—only raises the surrounding humidity level byroughly eighteen percent (18%).

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, where the apparatus 20provides at least one booster unit 66, the booster unit 66 has an atleast one coil 68 that is exposed to air such that condensation 70 isallowed to form on the coil 68. A moisture collection unit 72 ispositioned substantially underneath the coil 68 for catching thecondensation 70 as it drips from the coil 68. In at least one suchembodiment, the moisture collection unit 72 comprises a container 74configured for holding a volume of collected condensation 68. Themoisture collection unit 72 further provides a pump 76 interconnectedbetween the container 74 and the fluid line 36 such that the pump 76 iscapable of recycling the condensation 70 by delivering it to the wickinglayer 28 and, in turn, the thermal layer 30. In at least one embodiment,the moisture collection unit 72 further comprises an at least one filter78 positioned and configured for filtering the condensation 70 before itpasses into the container 74. It should be noted that while the filter78 is shown in the drawings as being positioned between the coil 68 andthe container 74, in further embodiments, the filter 78 may bepositioned at any point between the coil 68 and the fluid line 36, solong as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out thefunctionality described herein. Accordingly, in at least one suchembodiment, the filtered condensation 70 held in the container can serveas a source of potable water. Thus, the more humid the environment inwhich the apparatus 20 is located, the more condensation 70 (and, inturn, potable water) that is generated and collected.

As discussed in detail below, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in avariety of contexts. In each such context, as mentioned above, dependingon the operational requirements of the apparatus 20 in a given context,the apparatus 20 may incorporate multiple blowers 60, multiple boosterunits 66, multiple fluid lines 36, and even multiple housings 22 (andair passages 26) in fluid communication with one another.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 20is installed within an existing HVAC duct system of a building, with thehousing 22 positioned proximal a room of the building to be heated orcooled. As such, the relatively hot or cold air produced by the housing22 is discharged through an existing air register or diffuser 80. Asnoted above, the particular size, shape and dimensions of each of thecomponents of the apparatus 20 are dependent in part on the context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized. By way of example and notlimitation, in at least one embodiment where the apparatus 20 is to beinstalled within an existing HVAC duct system of a building, the housing22 is ten inches in diameter and twenty-four inches in length. With theat least one blower 60 capable of producing airflow in the four hundredto seven hundred cubic feet per minute (“cfm”) range, the housing 22 sodimensioned is capable of cooling (or heating) and maintaining a workingspace of plus-or-minus one thousand cubic feet. By way of furtherexample and not limitation, in such an embodiment where the apparatus 20incorporates a fluid injector 58 having a fluid reservoir, the fluidreservoir having dimensions of seven inches by four inches can providean adequate amount of fluid for efficient operation of a housing 22 sodimensioned. By way of still further example and not limitation, in atleast one embodiment, the fluid line 36 may be a low-flow water tube ofthe type typically used to supply water to consumer refrigerators. Theresulting duct-located apparatus 20 provides a much more efficient wayto regulate the temperature of a room, by further heating or cooling theincoming heated or cooled air, than is able to occur using a typicalunassisted heating or air-conditioning system. In at least one furtherembodiment, the housing 22 (and air passage 26) may be interconnectedwith multiple ducts, each having a separate air register or diffuser 80or, alternatively, each directing air through a single air register ordiffuser 80.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the apparatus 20incorporates a plurality of housings 22 (and air passages 26) in fluidcommunication with one another that may be arranged in parallel or inseries. When the housings 22 are arranged in series with one another,the blower 60 can be positioned at an intake end and used in tandem witha direction airflow nozzle positioned at a discharge end to produce anenhanced cooling or heating outflow of air. Alternatively, when thehousings 22 are arranged in parallel with one another, the apparatus 20can provide a “bundle” of enhanced cooling or heating ducts that arecapable of directing multiple streams of cooled or heated air to adesired location. In an alternate such embodiment, a single housing 22may be large enough to provide multiple air passages 26 formedtherewithin, each air passage 26 having a corresponding wicking layer 28and thermal layer 30 as described above, with one or more of saidmultiple air passages 26 being in fluid communication with one another.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be sized for beingportable or as a standalone personal heater or cooler for providing spotcooling or heating over a relatively smaller area. In such anembodiment, the apparatus 20 is relatively small and lightweight,permitting a single person to transport the apparatus 20 to where it isneeded for temporary cooling or heating, or for placement in a morepermanent installation. Furthermore, because such an embodiment onlyrequires water and enough electricity to power a small fan, theapparatus 20 can easily be powered by solar- or wind-generatedelectricity. Such minimal requirements enable the apparatus 20 to belocated off the grid, which can be very significant in third worldcountries where electricity distribution is limited and electricityproduction is erratic.

It is to be understood and appreciated that custom cooling or heatingconfigurations might incorporate one or more of the above-describedembodiments and associated components, alone or in combination,depending on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be utilized.

As mentioned above, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in a variety ofcontexts. In fact, the range of contexts and applications is quitebroad. For example, the apparatus 20 can be used in the typical heatingand cooling applications for residential properties, commercialproperties, retail properties, industrial properties, warehouses,factories, etc. Additional contexts include, but are not in any waylimited to, schools, churches, clinics, hospitals, industrial shops andgarages, cold storage facilities, refrigerated trucks, agriculturalwarehouses, animal husbandry structures, produce storage, greenhouseheating and cooling, cooling grow lamps in indoor cultivationfacilities, cooling photovoltaic cells, cooling high intensity lighting,cooling wine chillers and wine cellars, make up air for commercialkitchens and laundry facilities, various military applications,temporary structures, replacements for outdoor misting systems, etc. Theapparatus 20 can also be used as a replacement for conventionalair-conditioning or heating systems. The apparatus 20 can also be usedin a “spot cooling” or “spot heating” capacity in both indoor andoutdoor environments. The apparatus 20 can also be used as a“pre-cooler” for an air-conditioner or a “pre-heater” for a heater. Insuch a context, since many traditional air-conditioner condensersoperate at peak efficiency where the outside air temperature isninety-five degrees Fahrenheit (95° F.) or less, the apparatus 20 isable to pre-cool the air to ensure that the air temperature is withinthe optimal range. Similarly, the apparatus 20 can be adaptable to abroad range of water cooling and freezer applications as acost-effective “pre-chiller.” It should be noted that the above examplesare intended to be a mere subset of all possible contexts in which theapparatus 20 may be utilized and are simply being provided to illustratethe wide variety of those contexts. Ultimately, the apparatus 20 may beutilized in virtually any context where heated or cooled air is desired.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

1. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housinghaving an inner surface that defines an air passage extending throughthe housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent anddirectly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of thehousing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwichingthe wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of thehousing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermallayer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; theinner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusionsextending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as tomaximize the surface area of the thermal layer; and the housingproviding an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluidline extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluidcommunication with the wicking layer; whereby, a fluid is selectivelydelivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn,permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air locatedimmediately adjacent the exposed inner surface of the thermal layer,thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the airpassage of the thermal layer.

2. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein afirst end of the air passage is linearly offset from a second end of theair passage.

3. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, whereinthe wicking layer is constructed out of an absorbent microfiber materialcapable of being saturated with fluid.

4. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-3, whereinthe wicking layer is permanently affixed to the inner surface of thehousing.

5. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, whereinthe wicking layer is removably engaged with the inner surface of thehousing, thereby allowing the wicking layer to be selectively replacedas needed.

6. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-5, whereinthe entire inner surface of the housing is covered by the wicking layer,which provides a wicking surface for the thermal layer.

7. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-6, whereinthe thermal layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting.

8. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-7, whereinthe gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one partceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand.

9. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-8, whereinwith the wicking layer positioned against the inner surface of thehousing, the gypsum-ceramic casting is formed in situ to closely conformto the inner surface of the wicking layer and, in turn, the innersurface of the housing, thereby overlying the wicking layer.

10. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-9, whereinthe thermal layer includes anti-microbial material for better preventingmold, bacteria or viruses from developing.

11. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-10,wherein the anti-microbial material comprises an at least oneanti-microbial plate, constructed of zinc metal, positioned within thethermal layer proximal a terminal end of the at least one fluid line,such that the fluid passes over the anti-microbial plate as it exits thefluid line.

12. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-11,wherein the at least one anti-microbial plate is removably positionedwithin the thermal layer.

13. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-12,wherein the thermal layer is permanently affixed to the inner surface ofthe wicking layer.

14. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-13,wherein the thermal layer is removably engaged with the inner surface ofthe wicking layer, thereby allowing the thermal layer to be selectivelyreplaced as needed.

15. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-14,further comprising a fluid injector interconnected with the fluid linefor regulating the amount of fluid travelling to the wicking layer.

16. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-15,further comprising an at least one blower in fluid communication withthe air passage and configured for moving air through the air passage.

17. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-16,further comprising an at least one booster unit in fluid communicationwith the air passage of the housing and configured for appropriatelymodifying the temperature of the air before it enters the air passage.

18. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-17,wherein: the booster unit has an at least one coil that is exposed toair such that condensation is allowed to form on the coil; and amoisture collection unit is positioned substantially underneath the coilfor catching the condensation as it drips from the coil, the moisturecollection unit comprising: a container configured for holding a volumeof collected condensation; and a pump interconnected between thecontainer and the fluid line such that the pump is capable of recyclingthe condensation by delivering it to the wicking layer and, in turn, thethermal layer.

19. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-18,wherein the moisture collection unit further comprises an at least onefilter positioned and configured for filtering the condensation beforeit passes into the container, whereby the filtered condensation held inthe container can serve as a source of potable water.

20. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-19,wherein the at least one housing is configured for being installedwithin an existing HVAC duct system of a building.

21. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-20,further comprising a plurality of housings, the air passages of saidhousings in fluid communication with one another.

22. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housinghaving an inner surface that defines an air passage extending throughthe housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent anddirectly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of thehousing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwichingthe wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of thehousing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermallayer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; theinner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusionsextending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as tomaximize the surface area of the thermal layer; the housing providing anat least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends adistance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with thewicking layer; and an at least one booster unit in fluid communicationwith the air passage of the housing and configured for appropriatelymodifying the temperature of the air before said air enters the airpassage; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layerthrough the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer andevaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed innersurface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of theair moving through the air passage of the thermal layer.

23. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housinghaving an inner surface that defines an air passage extending throughthe housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent anddirectly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of thehousing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwichingthe wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of thehousing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermallayer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; theinner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusionsextending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as tomaximize the surface area of the thermal layer; the housing providing anat least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends adistance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with thewicking layer; an at least one booster unit in fluid communication withthe air passage of the housing and configured for appropriatelymodifying the temperature of the air before said air enters the airpassage, the booster unit having an at least one coil that is exposed toair such that condensation is allowed to form on the coil; and amoisture collection unit positioned substantially underneath the coilfor catching the condensation as said condensation drips from the coil,the moisture collection unit comprising: a container configured forholding a volume of collected condensation; and a pump interconnectedbetween the container and the fluid line such that the pump is capableof recycling the condensation by delivering said condensation to thewicking layer and, in turn, the thermal layer; whereby, a fluid isselectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which,in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air locatedimmediately adjacent the exposed inner surface of the thermal layer,thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the airpassage of the thermal layer.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present inventionas shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that anevaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. Because the principles of theinvention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond thoseshown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not inany way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directedto an evaporative HVAC apparatus and is able to take numerous forms todo so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Itwill also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials ofconstruction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionallycomparable structures or materials, now known or later developed,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for thepresent invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically describedherein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications andequivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended heretoas permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of theabove-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof isencompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspectof an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “maynot” or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses thatan embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included aspart of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation orexclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that anembodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner,use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect ofan embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment maybe included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such anegative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based onwhether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited inthe claimed subject matter.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Further, ordinal indicators—such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between theelements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number ofsuch elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order ofsuch elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the presentinvention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventionotherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, theopen-ended transitional term “comprising” (along with equivalentopen-ended transitional phrases thereof such as “including,”“containing” and “having”) encompasses all the expressly recitedelements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combinationwith un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/orfeatures are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/orfeatures may be added and still form a construct within the scope of theclaim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited inthe claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of”or “consisting essentially of” in lieu of or as an amendment for“comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added peramendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludesany element, limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in theclaims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of”limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements,limitations, steps and/or features and any other elements, limitations,steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning ofthe open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined asencompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, stepsand/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones.The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” isbeing defined as only including those elements, limitations, stepsand/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaningof the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” isbeing defined as only including those elements, limitations, stepsand/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements,limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect thebasic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along withequivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within itsmeaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by theclosed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consistingessentially of.” As such, embodiments described herein or so claimedwith the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguouslydescribed, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of.”

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as tothe date or representation as to the contents of these documents isbased on the information available to the applicants and does notconstitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contentsof these documents.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to atleast one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by thoseskilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather,the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction withthe appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s)believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines an air passage extending through the housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwiching the wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of the housing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermal layer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; the inner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as to maximize the surface area of the thermal layer; and the housing providing an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage of the thermal layer.
 2. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first end of the air passage is linearly offset from a second end of the air passage.
 3. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wicking layer is constructed out of an absorbent microfiber material capable of being saturated with fluid.
 4. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein an entirety of the inner surface of the housing is covered by the wicking layer, which provides a wicking surface for the thermal layer.
 5. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting.
 6. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 5, wherein the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one part ceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand.
 7. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein with the wicking layer positioned against the inner surface of the housing, the gypsum-ceramic casting is formed in situ to closely conform to the inner surface of the wicking layer and, in turn, the inner surface of the housing, thereby overlying the wicking layer.
 8. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal layer includes anti-microbial material for better preventing mold, bacteria or viruses from developing.
 9. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 8, wherein the anti-microbial material comprises an at least one anti-microbial plate, constructed of zinc metal, positioned within the thermal layer proximal a terminal end of the at least one fluid line, such that the fluid passes over the anti-microbial plate as said fluid exits the fluid line.
 10. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wicking layer is removably engaged with the inner surface of the housing, thereby allowing the wicking layer to be selectively replaced as needed.
 11. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermal layer is removably engaged with the inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby allowing the thermal layer to be selectively replaced as needed.
 12. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fluid injector interconnected with the fluid line for regulating an amount of fluid travelling to the wicking layer.
 13. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an at least one blower in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing and configured for moving air through the air passage.
 14. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an at least one booster unit in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing and configured for appropriately modifying the temperature of the air before said air enters the air passage.
 15. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the booster unit has an at least one coil that is exposed to air such that condensation is allowed to form on the coil; and a moisture collection unit is positioned substantially underneath the coil for catching the condensation as said condensation drips from the coil, the moisture collection unit comprising: a container configured for holding a volume of collected condensation; and a pump interconnected between the container and the fluid line such that the pump is capable of recycling the condensation by delivering said condensation to the wicking layer and, in turn, the thermal layer.
 16. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 15, wherein the moisture collection unit further comprises an at least one filter positioned and configured for filtering the condensation before said condensation passes into the container, whereby the condensation filtered by the at least one filter and subsequently held in the container serves as a source of potable water.
 17. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one housing is configured for being installed within an existing HVAC duct system of a building.
 18. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of housings, the air passages of said housings in fluid communication with one another.
 19. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines an air passage extending through the housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwiching the wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of the housing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermal layer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; the inner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as to maximize the surface area of the thermal layer; the housing providing an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer; and an at least one booster unit in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing and configured for appropriately modifying the temperature of the air before said air enters the air passage; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage of the thermal layer.
 20. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines an air passage extending through the housing; an absorbent wicking layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing; a thermal layer formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to an inner surface of the wicking layer, thereby sandwiching the wicking layer between the thermal layer and the inner surface of the housing, an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer defining a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through the thermal layer in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing; the inner surface of the thermal layer providing a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly within the air passage of the thermal layer so as to maximize the surface area of the thermal layer; the housing providing an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer; an at least one booster unit in fluid communication with the air passage of the housing and configured for appropriately modifying the temperature of the air before said air enters the air passage, the booster unit having an at least one coil that is exposed to air such that condensation is allowed to form on the coil; and a moisture collection unit positioned substantially underneath the coil for catching the condensation as said condensation drips from the coil, the moisture collection unit comprising: a container configured for holding a volume of collected condensation; and a pump interconnected between the container and the fluid line such that the pump is capable of recycling the condensation by delivering said condensation to the wicking layer and, in turn, the thermal layer; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage of the thermal layer. 